花見客狙う盗撮・置き引き　トイレや場所取りに潜むリスク　録画状態のスマホが見つかることも (26/03/27 17:58)

Cherry blossoms are expected to reach full bloom at Nagoya Castle and Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens on the 27th, and at Tsurumai Park on the 28th. However, it's important to be aware of potential voyeurism and theft targeting cherry blossom viewers. At Tsurumai Park in Showa Ward, one of Nagoya's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, approximately 750 cherry trees are in full bloom and are expected to reach full bloom tomorrow. This weekend promises perfect weather for cherry blossom viewing. The "Cherry Blossom Festival" is being held until April 12th, and many people enjoyed cherry blossom viewing on the 26th. While cherry blossom viewing is enjoyable, one must be wary of crimes targeting cherry blossom viewers. Among these, the most common are… "We receive reports and consultations about theft, groping, and voyeurism every year," (Sergeant Hiroshi Ando, ​​Community Safety Division, Showa Police Station) According to the police, last year at Tsurumai Park, there were four reports of sexual offenses such as voyeurism and two reports of theft. It is said that women wearing skirts are more likely to be targeted when they are sitting or lying down on a sheet. "Some people are not even aware that they are being filmed, so the actual figures can be quite different from those released by the police," (Inspector Ando). The danger of voyeurism in public restrooms Also, there was this incident during last year's cherry blossom season… "There have been cases where cameras used for voyeurism or disposable smartphones were found recording video in public restrooms," (Inspector Ando). A smartphone recording video was found mixed in with discarded trash in a toilet stall in a park. The woman noticed the smartphone immediately, and no harm was done. What precautions should be taken? "The camera was found in an outdoor toilet installed in the park, and there are several such toilets in Tsurumai Park. Please make sure to check your stall thoroughly for anything suspicious before using the toilet," (Inspector Ando). Beware of theft And you should also be careful about theft of unattended belongings. "For example, if a picnic blanket is empty, it's impossible to tell whose it is, so there's a possibility that someone could pretend to be the owner, touch the belongings, and take the contents," (Detective Sergeant Ando). Situations where people leave their belongings on a blanket to reserve a spot, or leave their belongings unattended while they go out to buy food, are particularly vulnerable. Key countermeasures include "not leaving your belongings unattended" and "keeping your belongings within sight."